On the very northern tip of Loch Long, Arrochar has always been a popular stop-off-point both for road traffic and sail. One of the first sets of sailors were in fact Viking invaders sailing up the length of Loch Long (20miles) from the sea, then transporting their long-boats the small distance overland to Tarbet on Loch Lomond towards Glasgow plundering the lakeside villages. Later it was also a very popular place for steam ship tours that plied the Clyde and Loch Long as part of the’ Three Lochs’ tour. It was that traffic that brought about this pier built in 1850 to service those steamers as part of what was also called the Arrachar Route. Steamers would come here from such places as Rothersay (Bute), Dunoon and Gourock. In 1968 traffic was down to three times a week mainly serviced by ‘Waverley’. Today it is all a distant memory with only the odd pleasure craft seen up here with the roar of road traffic across the water, heading for 'The Rest and be Thankful’ pass.

We see across the loch, part of the ‘Arrochar Alps’ towards Crianlarich. The distinctive toothed peak is known as ‘The Cobbler’.

More info: www.arrocharheritage.com/HistoryOfArrocharPier.htm



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